ELECTED SCHOOL BOARD FOR VALPARAISO INDIANA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Of the 293 school systems there are 12 with appointed boards, Valparaiso School Corporation {VCS} being the largest system. The VCS board has 5 members. Four are appointed by the city council and one is appointed by the Center Township Advisory Board. The current board members are all white males over 50 years old with a professional background.

We believe it is time for VCS to move away from a five member appointed board. It has become ineffective and does not represent the ever growing diverse population of VCS.

*VCS has a $60m budget. Because of the appointed status of the board their budget must be approved by the Porter County council.

*They are not accountable to the taxpayers because they are appointed instead of elected.

*There is no oversight from two boards that appoint VCS board members.

*The current board has hired 4 Superintendents in the last 8 years. The current Superintendent is on a year to year contract.

*VCS will have projected budget shortfall of $900,000.00 in 2013.

*We want to expand the board to seven to achieve a more diverse board.

*Two board members would be elected from outside the city limits where 30% of the students live.

*Remove the stipulation of party labels. Currently you must be either from the Democratic or Republican party to serve on the board and is currently dominated by one. Elected members can be from any party or no party alike.

We need 3500 signatures to start the process of moving VCS to an elected school board.

You are only eligible to sign this petition if you live within the boundaries of the Valparaiso Indiana school system and you are registered voter.